K is for Kerry, John.

K is for Kerry, John.

KEVIN LAMARQUE, Reuters Photo

The Democrats’ failed 2004 presidential nominee had a political resurrection this year. He was a trusted campaign adviser to President Obama — he was the stand-in for Mitt Romney in mock debates — and emerged as the president’s choice for Secretary of State, despite fears that his selection could give Republican Scott Brown another crack at a Massachusetts Senate seat.

The Democrats’ failed 2004 presidential nominee had a political resurrection this year. He was a trusted campaign adviser to President Obama — he was the stand-in for Mitt Romney in mock debates — and emerged as the president’s choice for Secretary of State, despite fears that his selection could give Republican Scott Brown another crack at a Massachusetts Senate seat. (KEVIN LAMARQUE, Reuters Photo)

The Democrats’ failed 2004 presidential nominee had a political resurrection this year. He was a trusted campaign adviser to President Obama — he was the stand-in for Mitt Romney in mock debates — and emerged as the president’s choice for Secretary of State, despite fears that his selection could give Republican Scott Brown another crack at a Massachusetts Senate seat.